Teaching Assistant

Job Description

Title of Post: Teaching Assistant

Responsible to: Headteacher

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

· Supervise and support pupils ensuring their safety and access to learning

· Establish good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs

· Assist with the development and implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans

· Promote self-esteem and independence

· Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs

· Participate in assessment of pupils

· Support pupil learning and welfare during the lunch time and play times

· Monitor pupils who are unwell

SUPPORT FOR THE TEACHER

· Work with the teacher to establish an appropriate learning environment.

· Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on pupils' achievement, progress, problems etc. and participate in record keeping

· Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with the school's Behaviour and Attitudes Policy and guidelines regarding physical intervention

· Use strategies to support pupils to achieve learning goals

· Assist with the planning of learning activities

· Under the guidance of the teacher monitor and evaluate pupils' responses to learning activities through observation and planned recording of achievement against learning targets

· Liaise sensitively and effectively with parents/carers as agreed with Senior Leaders and participate in feedback sessions/meetings with parents and Local Authorities

· Assist in the setting up and clearing away of equipment in the classroom and in other areas

· To work with individual pupils and small groups on tasks specified by the teacher

SUPPORT FOR THE CURRICULUM

· Prepare and maintain equipment/resources required for lessons as directed by the teacher and assist pupils in their use

· Support pupils to understand instructions

· Undertake structured and agreed learning activities, adjusting activities according to pupil responses

· Use ICT effectively to support learning activities

SUPPORT FOR THE SCHOOL

· Be aware of and comply with all school policies and procedures including those relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

· Demonstrate excellent attendance and punctuality, taking responsibility for one's own health

· Be aware of and ensure that all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop

· Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school

· Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required

· Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required

· Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a pupil/group under the supervision of the teacher

· Help keep classrooms, all learning areas and outdoor play areas tidy and well organised

· Administer first aid and medicine where appropriate and in accordance with the school policy

· Assist with the arrival and departure of pupils.

GENERAL

· To undertake any training commensurate with the post

· To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager

· To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health and safety in the workplace

· Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School's Equal Opportunities Policy

Any other duty the Headteacher may reasonably require.

Working Time

A full-time teaching assistant shall be available for work for 195 days in any given year. 190 days shall be days on which she/he may be required to work directly with pupils.

Times of work - teaching assistants will be required to be at school at 8.30am each day. There is a morning briefing on Monday at 8.30am which everyone is expected to attend. The 'directed time' will finish at 3.30pm each day, with the requirement to attend one staff meeting until 5pm each

Title of Post: Teaching Assistant

ESSENTIAL
Experience of successfully working with pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties, ASD and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
Knowledge of safeguarding issues in relation to pupils in a school setting and evidence of putting knowledge into practice.
Experience of contributing to curriculum and class planning for pupils.
Willingness to work outside, participate in educational activities outside of the school setting, and in whole school events.
Good general health and physical fitness to enable support for extremely active pupils and those with challenging behaviours.
Ability to adapt and be flexible in your approach with the pupils.
The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a variety of professionals.
To have respect for the confidential nature of pupil information.
Excellent communication skills.
ICT literate and willing to develop specialist skills.
Emotional intelligence, with a mature, positive and calm nature.
Regard for pupils, treating each with dignity and respect.
Willing to be with pupils all day and miss the occasional coffee break.
Excellent record of attendance and timekeeping.
Evidence of further education relevant to this post.
DESIRABLE
Additional qualifications relevant to the position.
Ability to drive a minibus.
First Aid training.
Team Teach training.
Like animals.

Information about the School

We are an independent special school, graded GOOD by Ofsted, set on a rural site in the village of Little Waltham which caters for pupils between 10 to 16 years old who have an education, health and care plan for social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

The school team at The Belsteads School strive to help pupils who have disengaged from school and learning, to develop strategies to manage their behaviour in a learning environment. With small classes and high staff to pupil ratios in each classroom, the staff at The Belsteads School, are able to provide a high level of support both in and out of the classroom to enable our pupils to be successful in their learning. We provide ability, rather than age, appropriate learning tasks so that pupils at The Belsteads School can experience success in learning and begin to engage and enjoy learning in a school environment.

We want our pupils to feel a sense of belonging at the school and recognise that they are part of the change they want to make. As a special school, one of the most exciting aspects of our work is that we are able to support the pupils to take the time to think about their behaviour and endeavour to find the best way forward for them to communicate with us and the people in their lives. The best interests of the child is at the heart of everything we do.

Staff Wellbeing is a priority and staff have regular Wellbeing days as well as access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.